Objective
- To adopt a single licensure examination for Marine Deck Officers at the management level
- To upgrade licensed Chief Mates who have 24 months of approved seagoing service and have passed evaluation, to Master Mariner
Purpose
- To provide guidelines for implementing the single licensure exam and upgrading Chief Mate licenses to Master Mariner
Scope and Applicability
- Applies to licensed Chief Mates with at least 24 months approved seagoing service in the last 5 years
- Service must be as Chief Mate on ships 500 GT or more
- Excludes seagoing service on warships, government non-commercial vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure yachts not for commercial trade, and wooden primitive ships
Application and Representation
- Applications for upgrading must be personally filed by the Marine Officer
- Authorized representatives can claim/receive license with SPA or authorization letter if they are also registered professionals
Eligibility and Evaluation
- Must pass the Board’s evaluation and assessment
- Chief Mates with 12-23 months service may opt to take the Master Mariner licensure exam
- Issued Master Mariner license does not equate to automatic issuance of equivalent Certificate of Competency (COC) or Endorsement Certificate (EC)
Documentary Requirements
- Application Forms No. 8-B.1 and PERRC Forms No. 02 and 12
- Original and photocopy of Chief Mate license and valid PRC ID
- Proof of at least 24 months approved seagoing service through two of: notarized Certificate of Sea Service, SIRB pages with immigration stamps, POEA contract or crew list, notarized company certification
- NBI Clearance valid for at least 3 months from application date
- Medical certificate valid for 1 year issued by DOH-accredited medical clinic/hospital complying with STCW standards
- Three passport photos and one 1a x 1a photo in proper uniform
- Payment for license and ID card
- Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
Procedure for Application
- Obtain and complete required forms from the Marine Deck Officers Division
- Submit complete documents for evaluation at PRC counters
- Board approval required after document evaluation
- Verification, fee assessment, and payment follow
- Issuance of claim slips for Certificate of Registration and PRC ID
- Preparation of Resolution every two weeks, Board and Commission approval
- Oathtaking on a monthly or as-needed basis
Effectivity
- The Memorandum Circular takes immediate effect upon issuance
This comprehensive guideline ensures a standardized and regulated process for upgrading licensed Chief Mates to Master Mariners through a single licensure examination and related procedures, emphasizing compliance with required service duration, documentation, medical fitness, and formalities dictated by the Professional Regulation Commission and relevant maritime boards.